The Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies at the University of Aberdeen is the first of its kind in the world. It is a unique interdisciplinary centre of excellence that offers taught masters and doctoral programmes in history, language, literature and culture of Ireland and Scotland and carries out research across these disciplines. Founded in 1998, the Institute was the culmination of Aberdeen’s strong commitment to research and teaching in Irish and Scottish Studies.
The historical and cultural influences which have shaped the modern Irish and Scottish experience are at the heart of the research agenda but considerable attention is also given to contemporary issues at a time when both Scotland and Ireland are undergoing major constitutional changes. A number of innovative research initiatives, including the ‘Diaspora Project’, will be developed, while the masters programme will enable students to focus on either Irish or Scottish Studies or both, a pattern of study which no other masters degree in either Europe or North America can match.
The Institute is led by Scottish historian, Professor Tom Devine FBA. He will be assisted in the development of the Institute by an advisory board of eminent figures who include Seamus Heaney, Roy Foster, Christopher Smout, Helen Vendler and Seamus Deane.
Enquiries: University of Aberdeen, Humanity Manse, 19 College Bounds, Old Aberdeen AB24 3UG, tel: (01224) 273683, fax: (01224) 273677, e-mail: riiss@abdn.ac.uk, web site: www.abdn.ac.uk/riiss
